First Nations students’ progress into and through university

This project provides insight into the pathways and approaches to university by First Nations students and the role that a university centre designed specifically to support First Nations students can have on building success for students. The work focussed on building an understanding across the lifespan of a university student from the idea of going to university, through to the experience once enrolled and embedded in university life. After providing a brief background and overview of existing literature on the university experience for First Nations students, we analysed national-level administrative data on student retention and completions for First Nations students and undertook semi-structured interviews with 16 students and eight staff from a metropolitan university and its First Nations Centre. With appropriate resourcing, First Nations Centres can provide the necessary culturally sensitive support to First Nations students, including: course and careers counselling, enrolment and admissions, academic support, accommodation and financial support, a meeting place, and links to medical and mental health services.